German · A2 · Everyday language
Even so, we can try in German
Use trotzdem (even so / still) to say that something happens despite what you might expect. This is useful for talking gently about challenges, surprises and trying again.
What you'll learn
- Use trotzdem to introduce an unexpected result or a gentle contrast.
- Place the finite verb directly after trotzdem when it starts the sentence.
- Use short sentence pairs to describe everyday challenges and surprises.
German phrases for even so, we can try
Es regnet. Trotzdem gehen wir.
It's raining. Even so, we'll go.
Trotzdem introduces the unexpected decision: we go despite the rain.
Das Puzzle ist schwer. Trotzdem versuche ich es.
The puzzle is hard. Still, I'll try.
After trotzdem, versuche comes before ich.
Ich bin müde. Trotzdem helfe ich dir.
I'm tired. Even so, I'll help you.
Trotzdem makes the offer reassuring: being tired does not stop me from helping.
Die Kiste ist klein. Trotzdem passt alles hinein.
The box is small. Still, everything fits.
The surprising result follows trotzdem: everything fits despite the small size.
Hier ist es laut. Trotzdem schläft das Baby.
It's noisy here. Even so, the baby is sleeping.
The verb schläft comes directly after trotzdem, before das Baby.
Der Weg ist lang. Trotzdem haben wir genug Zeit.
The path is long. Still, we have enough time.
Trotzdem introduces a reassuring contrast.
Du warst vorsichtig. Trotzdem ist die Tasse kaputtgegangen.
You were careful. Even so, the cup broke.
The finite verb ist follows trotzdem directly.
Wir sind früh angekommen. Trotzdem war die Tür schon offen.
We arrived early. Still, the door was already open.
Trotzdem suggests that we expected the door to still be closed.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
trotzdem
even so; still; nevertheless
Signals that what happens is different from what you might expect.
das Puzzle
puzzle; jigsaw puzzle
Plural: die Puzzles.
die Kiste
box; crate
Plural: die Kisten.
das Baby
baby
Plural: die Babys.
der Weg
path; way
Plural: die Wege.
die Zeit
time
Plural: die Zeiten. In genug Zeit (enough time), use the singular.
die Tasse
cup
Plural: die Tassen.
die Tür
door
Plural: die Türen.
vorsichtig
careful
Useful when talking about handling things gently.
hineinpassen
to fit inside
Alles passt hinein means 'Everything fits inside.'
An unexpected result with trotzdem
First describe a situation. Then use trotzdem to introduce something that happens despite it. Here, English 'still' means 'even so', not 'continuing to happen'.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Situation | First statement. | Das Puzzle ist schwer. |
| Contrasting result | Trotzdem + finite verb + subject + rest. | Trotzdem versuche ich es. |
Verb directly after trotzdem
When trotzdem starts the contrasting main clause, it takes the first position. The finite verb—the verb that changes to match the subject and tense—comes second, followed by the subject. Do not put a comma immediately after trotzdem.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One verb | Trotzdem + helfe + ich + … | Trotzdem helfe ich dir. |
| Noun subject | Trotzdem + schläft + das Baby. | Trotzdem schläft das Baby. |
| Verb with another verb part | Trotzdem + ist + subject + … + kaputtgegangen. | Trotzdem ist die Tasse kaputtgegangen. |
More examples
Es ist kalt. Trotzdem spielen wir draußen.
It's cold. Even so, we're playing outside.
Spielen follows trotzdem directly.
Das Spiel ist schwer. Trotzdem macht es Spaß.
The game is hard. Still, it's fun.
Trotzdem introduces a positive contrast.
Ich habe wenig Zeit. Trotzdem lese ich dir etwas vor.
I don't have much time. Even so, I'll read something to you.
The finite verb lese comes immediately after trotzdem.